Description
A quick and flavorful Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry featuring tender chicken pieces seared to perfection and tossed with fresh zucchini, garlic, ginger, and a savory soy-based sauce. This easy stir fry is packed with vibrant flavors from sesame oil, brown sugar, and chili, making it a delicious weeknight meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 small red chili, thinly sliced
Sauces & Oils
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola, avocado, or grapeseed)
Garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl to evenly coat and season the meat.
- Sear Chicken: Heat neutral oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to develop a golden crust, then cook until fully cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook Zucchini and Aromatics: Add a little more oil to the pan if needed. Stir fry zucchini for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Add minced garlic and fresh ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds to release their aromas.
- Combine and Flavor: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and chili flakes or sliced chili. Stir everything together to coat the chicken and zucchini evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and meld all the flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
- To make it spicier, increase the chili flakes or add fresh chili slices.
- For gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Ensure the zucchini slices are uniform for even cooking.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
